Nearly 36 years later, Denzel and Spike Lee's first team-up remains a must-watch

(L-R) Joie Lee and Denzel Washington in "Mo' Better Blues" (1990).

The Tom's Guide Verdict: "Mo' Better Blues"

Rating: 3.5/5 stars

Verdict: This movie is directed by Spike Lee, and the filmmaking talent is undeniable on the screen. But much like the jazz music it portrays, "Mo' Better Blues" is at times meandering and gets lost in its own artistry. Still, it all comes together for an incredible, heartbreaking ending, making the journey worth a few wayward moments. Plus, you get an incredible lead performance from Denzel Washington, with a sprinkling of Samuel L. Jackson and John Turturro turning it up to 11 for good measure.

Where to watch: Buy or rent "Mo' Better Blues" from Amazon

I'm now in week 9 of my Denzel Watchathon, and this movie is one I've been waiting for. That's because this week, I watched "Mo' Better Blues," the first movie in a five-film, 35-year (and counting) partnership between Denzel and the legendary director Spike Lee. It's a partnership that would define both their careers, even though (perhaps ironically) each would produce the greatest movie of their respective filmographies without the other.